22-year-old man arrested for aggravated outrage of modesty

Items seized as case exhibits for investigations.

SINGAPORE - A 22-year-old man was arrested near West Coast Way on Thursday for a case of Aggravated Outrage of Modesty.

At about 10pm on Monday, a 25-year-old female victim reported to the police that she was molested by an unknown man while she was walking along a pavement along AYE near West Coast Way.

Over 60 police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Clementi Police Division worked around the clock to interview witnesses, review CCTV footage, and sieve through forensic evidence collected which led to the police establishing the identity of the suspect.

The suspect was arrested in the vicinity of Merpati Road on Thursday. He will be charged in court tomorrow for the charge of Outrage of Modesty. If convicted, he may be jailed for a term of not less than 2 years and not more than 10 years and with caning.

Members of the public are advised to stay vigilant of their surroundings and against those who may take the opportunity to commit outrage of modesty. The following are some precautions that women can take to minimise the risks of becoming a victim:

a. Be wary of strangers who approach you in crowded areas;

b. Stay close to your friends or move around in groups when in crowded places;

c. Be aware and alert of your surroundings. If someone stands exceptionally close to you, or if you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a crowded area or call the Police for assistance;

d. Avoid taking short-cuts through dark and deserted places. Keep to well-lit areas where there are more people and traffic;

e. Do not enter the lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one;

f. Where possible, do not nap whilst travelling on public transport;

g. When coming home late at night, get someone to escort you home; and

h. If you are molested, immediately shout for help or activate your shrill alarm. Take note of the description of the culprit, the direction and mode of escape taken by the culprit. Call '999' as soon as it is safe to do so.